Recently, Urban Asian caught up with Shakti Mohan, accomplished dancer and actress. Although she has been dancing since childhood, her skills became evident through the show Dance India Dance, where she won the second season! Mohan then began acting on the show Dil Dosti Dance, playing the main character Kria, and has now moved abroad to further pursue dance in New York. In her interview, she tells us about how she became interested in dance and the choices she’s made through her life.

UA: How and when did you first start becoming involved with dance? What do you find most appealing about dancing?

Shakti Mohan: No matter how cliché it sounds, I was involved with dance ever since I was born. I was born to dance. I love dancing and everything about it is appealing. The feeling that you get when you dance where you let go and don’t care about anything is what makes me keep going.

UA: Was dancing always your calling, or have you ever considered pursuing other fields?

Shakti Mohan: I was almost going to pursue IAS (Indian Administrative Service) when I was in Delhi. I topped at Mumbai University and I was very positive that I would be serving my country. But, my love for dance was never second priority. I was directionless as how to go about it; that is when Terence sir offered me the scholarship to train for three years with him.

UA: Several of your sisters are popular singers and dancers in the industry. Do you and your siblings have a positive relationship, and is your entire family supportive of your dance career?

Shakti Mohan: My parents and my sisters are the best thing that could ever happen to me. They have been my rock no matter what I do. We love and respect each other for what we want to do.

UA: As winner of Dance India Dance Season 2, you were crowned best dancer in India among very difficult competition. How did it feel to receive such a title?

Shakti Mohan: Winning Dance India Dance will be the best memory of my life. I still don’t believe that happened. It was fantastic.

UA: Following your victory, you came onto the increasingly popular show Dil Dosti Dance as the main character Kria. What were your experiences on the show, both on and off-screen?

Shakti Mohan: Dil Dosti Dance (D3) was a great experience for me. I got to learn about the industry and how it works. Moreover it made me realize my love for dance. I could not give dance a backseat over acting, so I had to leave the show.

UA: Now you are living abroad and pursuing dance in New York. What led you to make this decision?

Shakti Mohan: I am very inspired by Terence Sir and he has spoken to me on many occasions how amazing the dancers are in New York. So I have always wanted to go to NY to study dance but I never could because I wanted to financially support myself. Now when I finally can, I love it here more than any other place in the world.

UA: What are your plans for the future?

Shakti Mohan: I have no idea about my future. All I know is that it is going to be AWESOME!

UA: Dancing professionally is a field that many consider to be limited and difficult to get into. What advice would you give to other aspiring dancers?

Shakti Mohan: It looks very fancy to be a popular dancer but there are loads and loads of hard work and sweat; it requires a hell of a lot of patience and consistency to be a dancer. Good luck to all the aspiring dancers!

Urban Rapid Round: These are a series of short rapid-fire questions.

Favorite…

Movie? Andaz Apna Apna

Actor? None

Actress? Madhuri Dixit

Color? Black

Food? Indian

Musician/Band? AR Rahman

Holiday? Maldives

Designer? Zara

UA: Any last thoughts for UrbanAsian readers?

Shakti Mohan: Thank you for supporting my career and continue to do so. Dance every performance like it’s your last.

Thanks to the lovely Shakti Mohan for taking the time to talk to us! Be sure to keep it locked on Urban Asian for more news on this talented star.